Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
As a new year begins, some of you might already be thinking of your next travel plans. But maybe like me, one of your New Year’s resolutions is to save some money in 2026. Well, perhaps it is still possible to do both when considering exchange rates. Keep reading for a list of Asian countries you can visit on a budget, because they have a good exchange rate against the Singapore dollar (SGD).
Disclaimer: Recommendations below are based on information available as of February 2026, with comparisons made in SGD. Do verify exchange rates at the time of reading.
1. Vietnam
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~20,418 VND
When I first visited Vietnam, close to 2 years ago, I recall the exchange rate being approximately 1 SGD to 19,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND). So, imagine my surprise when some of my friends told me recently that the rates have gotten even better. It’s no wonder that I see so many people on my Instagram and TikTok travelling there these days.
But can I blame them? Vietnam definitely took me by surprise and won me over with its food, scenery and culture. I’ve personally only visited Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh, and would definitely want to visit the former again. Ba Na Hills, Pizza 4P’s and all those cafes by the street will make the trip worth it.
Singaporeans should be able to get return flight tickets to Ho Chi Minh for as low as S$200 – S$300. If you want a nice vacation without breaking your bank, Vietnam is probably one of your best choices.
2. China
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~5.46 CNY
Next up on the list of most popular countries amongst my friends is China. This destination has grown in popularity over the past few years, and I have also seen numerous clips of Chongqing’s “cyberpunk” cityscapes, Chengdu’s giant pandas and Shanghai’s vibrant city life, which made me wonder if I should visit someday.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is also at a good exchange rate with SGD at the moment, allowing you to have a truly unique experience at a relatively affordable cost. Not to mention, flights to China aren’t that long either, ranging between 4 and 6 hours for some of the popular cities. If there’s anything I dread about travel, it’s long flights. So, this is definitely a win in my books.
3. Thailand
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~24.94 THB
The next country on our list is dubbed ‘The Land of Smiles’ and rightly so. Thailand’s hospitality, food and culture are legendary, and when paired with the great exchange rates between Thai Baht (THB) and SGD, there is even more reason to visit this country.
When I think of Thailand, the first places that come to mind are Bangkok and Phuket. But thanks to my colleagues who are more well-travelled, I’ve discovered other hidden gems such as Trat and Chanthaburi. If you’d like a travel guide, check out Rex’s article about his travels to East Thailand.
4. Malaysia
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~3.10 MYR
Of course, how could we forget our neighbour, Malaysia? Many Singaporeans have travelled to Johor Bahru (JB) and beyond, and are still crossing the causeway ever so often. Other than JB, I personally also visited Kuala Lumpur a couple of years ago for a weekend trip.
Visiting iconic buildings such as the Petronas Towers and Merdeka 118 were some of the highlights of my short getaway, aside from cafe-hopping and shopping with friends. If all you need is a quick vacation, look no further.
In terms of exchange rates, the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) has grown stronger against SGD recently, but still provides 3 times the value for each Singaporean dollar. It’s been a while since my last JB outing with friends, and I think it might be time to plan one soon!
1 day JB itinerary: Where to go, what to do & where to eat [Aug 2025 update]
5. Indonesia
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~13,212 IDR
Indonesia is another neighbouring country that Singaporeans can visit for short getaways. My most memorable trip there was to a resort in Bintan with a group of friends. Our time there was a perfect blend of chill and fun — walks on the beach, breakfast by the waters, archery sessions and more.
But Indonesia is huge, with many places to discover and explore at a relatively low cost. At the same time, you can also choose to “upgrade” your experience if you don’t mind spending a little more. For example, Bali has numerous villas and luxurious spots where you can get a well-deserved break.
If you want to visit those with amenities like private pools, read about some recommendations by our editor-in-chief here.
6. Japan
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~122 JPY
2025 seemed to have been the year everyone went to Japan, including me. And after travelling through Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Osaka for the first time, I get the hype. In fact, I wouldn’t mind visiting other parts of Japan soon. Also, I don’t think the Japan craze is going to die down anytime soon, either, especially since the Japanese Yen (JPY) seems to be dropping in value against SGD.
Just in the few months since my Japan trip, SGD has grown stronger against JPY. So if you’re on the fence about visiting the Land of the Rising Sun, now could be the time to take the leap. One tip I would give, though, is to check the Japanese holiday calendar before deciding on your date of travel. It could show you festivals you don’t want to miss or crowded dates you would want to avoid.
7. South Korea
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~1,147 KRW
South Korea is another country that I’ve seen many of my acquaintances visit in recent years. My first and last visit was more than a decade ago, so I wouldn’t mind travelling there again. Personally, Jeju Island is one of the must-visit places in Korea.
Looking at the exchange rate against the Korean Won (KRW) in the past year, there seems to have been ups and downs, but overall, the SGD has grown stronger. If you want to dive into the source of K-culture, where music, fashion and food collide, now might be a good time to do so.
8. Taiwan
Exchange rate (Feb 2026): 1 SGD = ~24.84 TWD
Taiwan is one of the countries at the top of my personal travel list. With its famous street food and numerous scenic locations, how could it not be? Combine all that with the fact that you can have a fun trip to Taiwan at quite an affordable cost, and it makes it a convincing destination for a holiday in 2026.
The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) has been growing weaker against the SGD recently too, so it might be time to plan a trip there soon. Even with less than a week, you could visit places like Taipei or Kaohsiung and have a fulfilling trip.
If you’re considering having a short trip to Taiwan, especially Taipei, consider checking out our team’s recent visit on YouTube.
Want a 4-day, 3-night itinerary or a clearer look at the activities, food and costs to expect in the city? Click on the article below.
4 days in Taipei: The ultimate itinerary for unique eats, shopping & must-see sights
